would this work?

[roadtripper]

You may want to head over to the Transportation Board for info on rental car companies and how to get cheaper flights. I like the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card or Chase Ink for bonus sign up miles--in September you should be able to get some good flights. The Transportation board where I found a code that has my family in a Premium SUV next week for 109 with Alamo. I still can't believe that rate.

 

[kymom99]

I wouldn't think having half your family fly separate would make things any easier. If anything, it would be more stressful for you not having any help. I'd stick together.

I have used rentalcarmama for rental car codes.

 

[eliza61]

So we are planning our first ever trip to DW this Sept. As a family of 6 it is crucial that I find the most economical way possible. Ive decided to stay offsite. It was a tough decision since the transportation, EMH and booking fp+ 60 days out are big incentives. The hardest perk to let go though is free dining.
us.

Op, if you are trying to do an economical trip, free dining is not the best way to economize. Don't get sucked into the "free" part.

In fact most people on the dis have come to realize that the dining plan is NOT the cheapest way to eat. It is a convenience, nothing more.

If you get a car like we do, transportation and eating off site becomes even more attractive.

Offsite is just a "magical" as on site. LOL, imo there is nothing "magical" about over paying. I stay onsite when I use my dvc points. no way would I ever pay the prices Disney wants for a deluxe (although my fantasy is to stay at the Polynesian).

You can purchase your tickets through an authorized dealer and take advantage of fp+. no need to waste money on a throwaway room.

 

[JanaDee]

Thanks everyone for the replies and ideas.
Ive reserved with VS for a 2bd in WBC. At a total of $716 for 7 nights, vs. a $1680 at a Value resort (very cheapest, 2 rooms). $964 is a huge discount, Im assuming I could add a dining option to the 6 day base tickets I bought from UT? I should check into how much that would be. My kids are 9, 9, 7 and 4 at time of travel. Between the car rental and parking, it shouldnt be more than about $350.
I'm still on a mission to find the most inexpensive flights I can. Any tips?

You have to stay on property to get the dining plan.

 

[aaarcher86]

Always nice to see people suggesting breaking the rules when they don't like them. Character building FTW!

OP - please DONT follow the advice of going over capacity. Not only do those people not get the perks, but if caught they'll kick you out or require you to get another room at full price.

I've personally seen a family of 5 caught in a royal room (max 4) in the lobby with a manager not budging on them leaving or getting another room. I have no idea how they got caught, but they clearly have ways of weeding people out.

 

[MrsCobraBubbles]

You already bought tickets so FD is not option anymore. You got a great deal on lodgings so now just think of all the other stuff. Check out allears.net for menus, see what your family would like (and the prices) and pick one or two must do places. At MK The Plaza is a the cheapest TS and it is pretty nice. At Epcot you could go to Via Napoli and get a couple of big pizzas (more expensive than delivery but not too bad compared to other TS restaurants at WDW). Epcot also has the best CS places in all WDW, on those days I would not pack a lunch

Be our Guest is the hardest restaurant to book right now and will most likely be booked by the time you get to book it (another perk of staying on site is the 180+ 10 day window as opposed to just 180). But BoG is also open for lunch, it is still a counter service (unless something changes after Feb 25) but one of the nicer ones and if you would like to eat inside the castle this is a good option for saving money.

If you want to do a character meal go for a late breakfast - they are the cheaper meal and by choosing a late time it could easily count as bfast and lunch. If you do not want to cook every day you could always order pizza etc and have it delivered.
What I do when we go to Disneyland is check the restaurants nearby and buy discounted gift cards for them (check Giftcardgranny for best rates).

You still have time to join a rewards program like Swagbucks or Perk which reward you for taking surveys, completing offers, watching videos etc. Their rewards vary but they both have restaurant cards you could use off property and even some restaurants on property - Rainforest Café, TRex, and Yak & Yeti (at AK) cards can be found on both. Swagbucks also has Paypal rewards. I get Paypal and buy Disney cards through Target.

Check Priceline for cheap van rental from the airport. Deals can be found, we got a car for $7 a day. I know vans are more expensive (had to rent one a couple of times) but keep checking, Sept is slow season.

I agree with this, and I'd like to add that you should look into purchasing an Orlando Entertainment Book since you're staying off site. You'll likely find buy one ,get one free coupons for restaurants and attractions that interest you.

 

[TOOFARFROMFLORIDA]

First, I'd like to say I've lurked the boards since 2006 and I had an account back then but can't get into it so I started another one.
We have a large family ourselves and we love to save money but still have a really nice vacation. We have stayed at Bonnet Creek a few times and I would NEVER stay anywhere else again. I've been to Disney hotels too, but I love the atmosphere and space of Bonnet Creek. This trip, we hope to schedule a little bit more downtime because I love the resort and we never get enough time there just to enjoy what they offer. Some of my favorite things about it are the space, how nicely furnished they are, and the fact that they have multiple pools/lazy rivers. I will say my favorite thing of all is going down to cook on the grills in the evening and relaxing. They have a nice picnic area with gas grills right outside of your building. To start the grill you just push a button and it lights up. You can borrow grilling utensils from the front desk if you wish.
I also like being able to throw a load of laundry in and walk out the door for the day and dry it when we get back for the night. With a large family, something is bound to happen where somebody needs/wants something washed. I like to pack light and wash while we are there. It makes travel so much easier with a large family not to drag all kids of bags through the airport.
As far as eating goes, I prefer not to cook too much while on vacation. But sometimes we get tired of eating out or just want a relax day so we make food in the room. I keep what groceries we buy to a minimum and usually only plan a couple of meals for in the room and have enough on hand for snacks and breakfast. They have almost anything you need to cook right in your room. Pots and pans, glasses, silverware, a drink (think Kool-Aid) container, ect.
I haven't found too much value in the dining plan at Disney. I prefer to make a few reservations at Ohana and some other favorites and pay OOP.

I hope you have a great trip! Just remember that no matter what you decide, take it slow and soak in the atmosphere. People forget to do that when they get there and then go home feeling like they didn't do enough or see enough. Soak it in, take lots of pictures, and enjoy the little things too.

 

[mjkacmom]

Ive never flown with all 4 kids before and it does make me nervous. I am toying with the idea of having my husband fly in first with the older boys, getting the car, groceries and then picking us up at the airport. Does that sound like too much hassle or out of the way?

I'd stay together. Our family of 7 has traveled a lot together, and never had any issues. Even when my twins were little, DH would always drop us all off at the airport, and head over to long term parking, and I'd get all 6 of us through security by myself (with everyone having a carry-on - we don't check). I don't see why you all can't stay together.

 

[lauradis]

Always nice to see people suggesting breaking the rules when they don't like them. Character building FTW!

OP - please DONT follow the advice of going over capacity. Not only do those people not get the perks, but if caught they'll kick you out or require you to get another room at full price.

I've personally seen a family of 5 caught in a royal room (max 4) in the lobby with a manager not budging on them leaving or getting another room. I have no idea how they got caught, but they clearly have ways of weeding people out.

you guy jump on me every time I suggest breaking the rules.

 

[Misfit]

Have you thought about staying at the campgrounds? I am about to book and the site is about 55$ a night and I'm having a pop-up delivered from Fort Camper its $69 a night plus tax.Total with camper is a little more expensive about 945$ but you are on site with all the perks and you will be able to save by cooking some of your own meals. Plus, if you will be driving to the parks and you add in parking fees and gas it might be worth it..Also then you could use Magical Express and save on Car rental fees..Fort Camper will also grocery shop for you but, there is an upcharge however you still you might come out cheaper in the long run that way.Don't forget to add in any parking or resort fees charged at some off site hotels.

 

[Sinderelly]

Have you priced renting DVC points? That was the best deal for our party of 6 (4 adults, 2 children). 2 BR Villa at AKL standard view 7 nights. We purchased the DDP and 5 day MYW tickets for right at 7K which was less expensive that 2 rooms at at mod with a slight discount (2 days room only). You will have a washer/dryer so less clothes to pack.

Our airfare was purchased using SW reward points. We only had to pay out of pocket for one person.

You won't need a rental car with Magical Express. So make sure to factor in the that plus the cost of parking.

Good luck with all your planning.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We have been able to secure an SUV or minivan through an onsite supplier (Alamo or Budget) for $250 or less on our trips....much less than the above poster's $400 estimate. Be sure you follow the September car rental thread on the transportation board, as other Disers are great about sharing their deals and helping other travelers get the very best price for their specific dates. If you are a Costco member, they often have some particularly good car rental discounts.

The amenities at the timeshare resorts (Bonnet Creek is one such property) are well beyond what you will find at a Disney value. Not only will you enjoy a ton more space and amenities in your villa (like an in suite washer and dryer....a must for traveling with a larger family!) but you will also have a wider range of outdoor activities, like mini golf and pools with special features (in particular, the lazy river). Offsite has many benefits!

 

[guera]

Everyone! I really am getting comfortable if not excited about staying at wbc! The reviews are all very good.
I didn't even think about Costco for rental discounts, that is a great tip. I did sign up as a frequent renter on a few sites like it suggests on mousesavers.

 

[maxiesmom]

We have been able to secure an SUV or minivan through an onsite supplier (Alamo or Budget) for $250 or less on our trips....much less than the above poster's $400 estimate. Be sure you follow the September car rental thread on the transportation board, as other Disers are great about sharing their deals and helping other travelers get the very best price for their specific dates. If you are a Costco member, they often have some particularly good car rental discounts.

The amenities at the timeshare resorts (Bonnet Creek is one such property) are well beyond what you will find at a Disney value. Not only will you enjoy a ton more space and amenities in your villa (like an in suite washer and dryer....a must for traveling with a larger family!) but you will also have a wider range of outdoor activities, like mini golf and pools with special features (in particular, the lazy river). Offsite has many benefits!

Wow, you have had great luck. I keep pricing mini vans for an April or May trip, and I can't find one for less than $500 for a week, and that includes checking Budget and Dollar.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wow, you have had great luck. I keep pricing mini vans for an April or May trip, and I can't find one for less than $500 for a week, and that includes checking Budget and Dollar.

We got a lovely, fully loaded Town & Country with Alamo via Hotwire for our August 2014 trip for $250 per week. We got a much better price via Hotwire than through any of the companies directly. So that's a place to keep an eye on once you're within 30 days out.

Haven't been pricing minivans or SUVs for this May, as its just DH & I so we only need a full sized car. Fingers crossed you can find yourself a great price!

 

[guera]

That is what makes me nervous, waiting. what if I cant find any decent rates at 30 days out? It is hard being a planner without a price. I have heard it is best to wait for flights as well, has anyone had experience with that?